The biology unit (previously, Institute of Biology) hosts the teachers, students and researchers that study multiple aspects of biology.

The biologists study many subdisciplines within the field, from molecular and cell biology, to processes of evolution and ecology.

In order to address the research questions the specialists use a range of methods, including isolation of organic molecules, experiments on cells, organisms and ecosystems, sequencing methods, observational approaches and analyses of ecological and omics data.

The biology unit organizes the Friday seminar series, where results and projects of staff and graduate students are presented. Icelandic and International scholar are also invited to present on their biological studies, spanning basic to applied studies, theoretical musing and talks of specific expeditions or biospheres.